Summerfest 2012 Headline Shows | Lots of Oldies Bands in Milwaukee

Summerfest is just about who's playing at the Marcus Amphitheater.  Far from it.  Some of the best shows are at the "side" stages.  2012 is no different.  Summerfest has all the bases covered when it comes to music.  Here is just a sample of the bands coming to Milwaukee's lakefront in 2012.

If you are into the oldies, come to Summerfest on the first night.  Kool and the Gang will headline the Miller Lite Oasis.  Performing at the very same time is another product of the 1970's.  Steve Miller Band is playing at the BMO Harris Bank stage.  This is the newly designed stage that replaces the old M&I stage.  Government Mule will hit the Briggs Stage at 10pm as well.  It's a tough call.  Do you get your funk on with Kool and the Gang, or do you pick one of two old rock bands? 

On June 29, you will find Morris Day and the Time hitting the BMO stage at 9:45pm.  Local legend Greg Koch will also be at the BMO Harris stage at 5pm. Kellie Pickler is the 10pm headline act at the Harley Davidson Roadhouse.

If you are at the lakefront on June 30, check out the Summerfst Strongman contest.  I'm going to see ZZ Top at 10pm that same evening.  Here is an opening slot on the U.S. Cellular stage, at 8pm.  Who do you think is playing that time slot?  We won't know until the lights go up.  Who is Midwest Death Rattle, and do they play music that the locals will like?  We don't know, but they play on the Cascio Groove Stage at 9pm on the same evening.

What would Summerfest be without an appearance by The BoDeans?  Apparently, we will never know, as the band is booked for July 4, at 9:30pm on the Potawatomi stage.  I think that they are down to just one original member, so be warned.  This BoDeans line up might not look familiar to anyone.  Whatever you like as far as music, I think Summerfest has you covered.  See you there?

Zack Greinke Loves Miller Park

Miller Park has been Zack Greinke's haven since he began pitching at the venue in 2010. With a win on Wednesday, the right handed pitcher became just the fourth ace since 1900 to win his first fifteen starts at a home venue. He is now 15-0 in Milwaukee, and should he win his next start in the city, the "righty" will tie Johnny Allen and LaMarr Hoyt for the major league record of straight home wins. Indeed, a new league record is not unfathomable this season, as Greinke's throws from the mound have only been improving. In his latest win against the Cubs, he managed a season high twelve strikeouts, and gave up just two hits over seven innings.

The pitcher's success hasn't been vaulted by the team's lackluster performances. With Greinke throwing the ball, the Brewers are a whopping 20-1 at Miller Park. He was a major part of the team's outstanding home-stands last year, immediately making an impact following his trade from Kansas City. Though, the pitcher is humble. When asked recently what his secret to success was, Greinke answered that it was the team's productive (debatable) offense that has created the necessary balance between the sides of the mound.
However, Greinke, as well as the Brewers, are painfully aware that the ace's time in Milwaukee could be running out. His contract with the team will expire following this season, and the courtship will likely be strong from big money squads on the coasts. Manager Ron Roenicke and general manager Doug Melvin are going to have a similar situation to the Prince Fielder fiasco of 2011, facing the prospect of losing an irreplaceable asset to a larger contract with a historically better team. The pair had better be prepared to open the wallet wide this off-season.